Orange County officials, University talk transit plan

Local and University officials gathered Monday night to garner support for a proposed transit plan from students ­— a key demographic in this year’s election.

The transit plan — which would expand bus services and construct a light rail in the county — would be funded in part by a proposed half-cent sales tax, which residents will vote on in November.

“For first-years and sophomores who do not have cars on campus, the expansion of bus services is very important for allowing them to get across campus and the region,” said Austin Brandt, an environmental sciences major.

Bernadette Pelissier, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, said she approved of the transit plan because of its environmental benefits.

The plan — which would be introduced in stages — includes enhanced county bus services, additional routes to rural areas in Mebane and Hillsborough, better amenities at bus stops, and more park and ride lots.

The plan would also construct an Amtrak station in Hillsborough and a 17-mile light rail that would connect UNC Hospitals to downtown Durham.

Bill Rohe, director of the UNC Center for Urban and Regional Studies, said the light rail represents an invaluable opportunity to create a transit system that can sustain the rapid growth in the Triangle area.

Rohe said by 2030, the area is expected to have 2.7 million residents — a 54 percent increase from its current population.

“If we are going to maintain our quality of life, we have to address these issues,” Rohe said.

Rohe said the most important benefit of a passenger rail system is its ability to attract high-density development around these rail stations, curbing the urban sprawl in the area.

“This will reinforce the Triangle’s image as a leading place to live and work,” he said.

Local business leaders also spoke about how transit will enhance the local economy.

Aaron Nelson, president and CEO of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, said this plan would attract potential employees to the area.

“With the huge commute flow we have between counties, this is the key to staying competitive as a metropolitan area for business,” he said.

But concerns about the functionality and accessibility of the light rail have led some local officials to oppose the plan.

“I cannot support the plan due to the light rail component,” said County Commissioner Earl McKee.

“I question whether it would be more beneficial to students to focus solely on expanding routes rather than to have the light rail.”

But Rohe said the plan will take time to reach its full potential, and he said he is optimistic about its ability to further connect the community.

“Though we like to think of ourselves as individual towns and cities, we still function best as a unified metropolitan area,” he said.

Contact the desk editor at city@dailytarheel.com.